Nestled on the northeastern slopes of the majestic Parnassus, Polydrosos, or as all the locals affectionately call it, Souvala, is a vibrant main village in the region of Fokida. It administratively belongs to the expanded Municipality of Delphi and welcomes you at an altitude of 380 meters. With a population of 1,125 residents (according to the 2011 census), it's a place brimming with life and history. Until 1928, it was officially named Souvala, and although it was renamed, the old name continues to be lovingly used by its inhabitants. Between Polydrosos and the neighboring, picturesque village of Lilaia, you'll discover the sources of the Kifissos River, a true gem of nature.
The History Behind the Name: Souvala

The origin of the name "Souvala" is as fascinating as it is debated! Some believe it comes from the Slavic word "Suvala," meaning "marsh," a name common during medieval times in the wider Greek area. Others argue it stems from the Turkish word "souvala," which translates to "lots of water"—something that certainly fits the area! For a more in-depth look, local historian Ilias Chr. Thanos has compiled all the viewpoints in an interesting article.

So, if the word "Souvala" indeed means "marsh," we can imagine it originally referred to the large swamp that once formed between the sources of the Boeotian Kifissos, in Alegousa, known as the "marsh of Agoriani." This swamp troubled the people of the area for centuries, even newer generations, and led the locals to create traditions about spirits and demons supposedly chasing travelers at night. In reality, these were just countless mosquitoes and aquatic animals! Even travelers from the early 18th century mention the village by the name "Vala."
A Journey Through History: From Antiquity to Today

Traces of habitation in the Polydrosos area date back to the Early Helladic period (3rd millennium BC)—imagine how much history this place holds! After the destruction of the Phocian cities in 346 BC by Philip II, King of Macedon, ancient Lilaia was resettled along with the neighboring city of Erochos, which is identified with the hill of Agios Vasileios and the area of Polydrosos' cemetery. Its walls were likely built in the years after Philip, during the reconstruction of the Phocian acropolises, while remnants of an older fortification survive at the top of the acropolis. This might have been Lilaia's wall before Philip II's destruction. The city continued to be inhabited until the Middle Ages when it was struck by a powerful earthquake.

Clear traces of habitation in the area of present-day Souvala are found throughout the low mountain slope, mainly west of Polydrosos' cemetery and in the area of the Boeotian Kifissos springs, which locals also call Alegousa. The most impressive remnant reminding us of the old settlement of Souvala is undoubtedly the Byzantine church of Panagia Eleousa (Mavromantila), as well as the remains of the Early Christian basilica of Agios Christoforos. This basilica was built on an earlier terrace, which was likely a sanctuary built by the ancients for the worship of the goddess Artemis and the deified river Kifissos, directly above the springs. According to Pausanias, the sanctuaries were dedicated to Artemis and Apollo, and there were also upright statues made of Pentelic marble. At the northern exit of the village, you'll find the ruins of an ancient Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore.

After the destruction suffered by Ano Souvala from the earthquake of 1870, the residents moved down to the plain and formed the Third Souvala, present-day Souvala. It seems that even before the revolution, the original settlement had expanded from the west. Souvala continued to expand and thus today constitutes a lively main village in the area.

It's worth noting that on the western side of Souvala, in the area called Mantamia, lies the now-ruined old hydroelectric power plant established in 1924. This plant was one of the most significant monuments of the early industrial period in Greece, being the only one in the wider region. The electricity generated there was high-voltage alternating current and was transported via an appropriate overhead cable line to the Polydrosos plant, where a transformer converted 500 volts to 100 volts for lighting. Upper and Lower Polydrosos were among the few mountain villages of that period that had lighting thanks to the hydroelectric plant, which was a real privilege for the residents, making them proud of the advantage they held at that time.
Tourism: Polydrosos' Rising Value

Polydrosos has experienced significant tourism development in recent years! This is mainly due to its short distance from the renowned Parnassus Ski Center, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Additionally, it's very close to the picturesque village of Agoriani, offering even more options for exploration. Come discover Polydrosos and experience an unforgettable time!